A new Western-themed attraction is being built near Oatman, Ariz., called Route 66 Ranch, according to an article in the Mohave Daily News. It's the brainchild of Tom and Jennifer McCarthy, who also own the Oatman Stables horseback-riding business. Plans for the Route 66 Ranch include 10 shops each with a different theme, a petting … Continue reading New attraction opening near Oatman
Bicycle ride set on Illinois Route 66
A Historic Route 66 Recreational Trail Ride has been scheduled for Saturday, May 8, from Litchfield, Ill., to Staunton, Ill. John Fritsche, who is an advocate for an expanded bicycle trail on Route 66 in Illinois, described the event as "a leisurely tour" of about four hours in the morning. It's a distance of about … Continue reading Bicycle ride set on Illinois Route 66
Wagon Wheel Motel is now on Facebook
The new owner of the Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba, Mo., has set up a Facebook page for that historic Route 66 motel. From a news release from Viva Cuba: According to the new owner Connie Echols, “The Facebook page offers a little history, some construction updates, and information about what the gift shop has … Continue reading Wagon Wheel Motel is now on Facebook
Illinois Route 66 Association announces its Hall of Fame inductees
The Illinois Route 66 Association announced its Class of 2010 for its Route 66 Hall of Fame. Here is the complete list, courtesy of the association: 817 Hillsboro (known as Halley's) in Edwardsville The building at 817 Hillsboro in Edwardsville was built in 1914 and started as a cash & carry mom-and-pop market called Barns … Continue reading Illinois Route 66 Association announces its Hall of Fame inductees
The Mother Road yo-yo
The Chico Yo-Yo Company, a firm dedicated to "precision-machined yo-yos," has just introduced its latest model, called the Route 66. This is the feel of the classic American car – a car with power, weight, and style. The Route 66 is our testament to this feel. A yo-yo that you will enjoy for hours on … Continue reading The Mother Road yo-yo
Notes from the road
A public hearing has been scheduled regarding the future of the Bird Creek Bridge on Oklahoma 66 near Catoosa. The westbound Bird Creek Bridge, which dates to 1936, is part of the so-called Twin Bridges part of Route 66 there. The meeting by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation is set for 6 p.m. April 20 … Continue reading Notes from the road
‘A John Hughes movie’ on Route 66
Brad Hansen, a 26-year-old Iowa native, has just finished his first feature-length film, "Driver's Ed Mutiny," that takes place on Route 66. Hansen told the Muscatine (Iowa) Journal that he sought to make a "Breakfast Club" movie on wheels. "I set out to make a modern-day John Hughes movie," Hansen said. "I was sad to … Continue reading ‘A John Hughes movie’ on Route 66
Remaking the Nelson Tavern
Willem Bor of the Netherlands won't be in Lebanon, Mo., until June to dedicate his painstakingly detailed diorama of the old Nelson Tavern in the Lebanon/Laclede County Route 66 Society's museum. However, Bor made a video that shows how the Nelson Tavern diorama was done. Bor's Web site about his upcoming Route 66 trip is … Continue reading Remaking the Nelson Tavern
Roadkill Cafe sponsors motorcycle racers
The Roadkill Cafe, a restaurant in Seligman, Ariz., that's popular with Route 66 travelers, is sponsoring Road Kill Racers, a sidecar motorcycle racing team, according to a news release at Roadracingworld.com. This sponsorship deal is an effort to promote the tourist industry in which racing is very much part of the travels required by all … Continue reading Roadkill Cafe sponsors motorcycle racers
Time-lapse journey
Sandi Wheaton, the Canadian woman who traveled Route 66 after losing her job in the Detroit auto industry, has posted a few short clips from her time-lapse photography project of the Mother Road. The first is the start of Route 66 in Chicago: The next is driving into a rain storm in New Mexico: Last … Continue reading Time-lapse journey